U.S. Government Donates CESSNA Aircraft to B.D.F.
This afternoon at the Williamson Hangar in Ladyville, U.S. Ambassador Michelle Kwan handed over a single-engine CESSNA aircraft to the Government of Belize for use by the Belize Defense Force Air Wing. The plane which has been retrofitted for aerial reconnaissance of Belize’s terrestrial domain. The keys to the airplane were handed over to Prime Minister John Briceño during a brief ceremony.
Michelle Kwan
Michelle Kwan, U.S. Ambassador
“Today’s donation of the CESSNA aircraft ranges about 7.84 million U.S. dollars. It helps the Belize Defense Force with aerial reconnaissance and so, as in my remarks, I said the next time you look up it is possibly the aircraft making sure that Belize is safe and secure.”
Isani Cayetano
“It‘s the first donation of this kind in many years, to Belize‘s armed forces. Perhaps you can talk to us a bit about how that came about and perhaps how the embassy was approached for this kind of assistance.”
Michelle Kwan
“Well, it‘s one of many donations and training programs that the United States has supported the Belizean government. This has been years in the making and I am thrilled that today I get to be a part of this handoff, physically giving the keys to Prime Minister John Briceño.”
Isani Cayetano
“Your reactions and your thoughts, P.M.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“We are certainly very pleased and excited to receive this plane. It is as what Minister Marin said, a game changer, especially for us in the fight against the narco-traffickers. In Belize, and for any other activities, for instance, if there is a hurricane or emergencies or even forest fires, there are so many things that we can use it for to be able to help us. But certainly, I want to thank Ambassador Kwan for assisting us with the process, yes, it happened many years ago, but I am sure she had a lot to do to be able to finalize this and to get it here in Belize. On behalf of our government and grateful people, we want to thank you, Ambassador, and please convey my gratitude to President Biden and to his government for this. It will go a long way for us and it certainly means a lot for the United States, one of our most important partners, can join us in helping in the development of our country.”
